7 Safety Supplies to Always Keep in Your Car

You never know when you might experience a roadside emergency, especially during the winter. To ensure you’re prepared for whatever might come your way, create an emergency car kit and keep it in your trunk at all times. No self-respecting mechanic would leave home without these seven safety supplies – and neither should you!

Jumper Cables

Winter is the most common time of year for cars to become stranded because cold weather puts an extra strain on weak batteries. In addition to having your battery tested and replaced if necessary, keep a set of jumper cables in your car. If you accidentally leave your headlights on or you need a jump for another reason, these cables are a lifesaver.

Check out this blog post if you’re not sure how to jumpstart a car. Then, come to Scott’s Fort Collins Auto at any time for afree car battery test.

Tire Sealant

When you get a flat, a can of tire sealant temporarily seals the hole and inflates the tire in just minutes. This product is much easier to use than putting on the spare, and it’s just what you need to make it to the nearest auto shop to have your tire fixed or replaced.

Flashlight

If your car breaks down in the dead of night, having a functioning flashlight is a lifesaver. Yes, your Smartphone has a built-in flashlight, but if your battery is low, you could be left in the dark very quickly – and once your phone dies, you won’t be able to call anyone for help.

Stocking your car with a good old-fashioned flashlight is your best bet. Just make sure you have extra batteries for it, or get a mechanically powered shake flashlight that never requires a battery change. This way, you can talk on the phone and simultaneously see with the flashlight to describe the problem to whomever you call for help.

Car Phone Charger

To avoid the problem of being stranded with a dead phone, it’s wise to keep a car phone charger among your safety supplies. Charge your phone while you drive so if you become stranded and the car battery dies, you’ll have a charged phone to call for aid.

Cold-Weather Gear

When your car won’t start, you don’t have a heater to keep you warm while awaiting a rescue party. Even if your vehicle does start, but you’re stuck in the snow, avoid idling the engine for safety reasons.

Cold-weather gear is incredibly useful for staying warm while stranded on the side of the road. Always keep a blanket, hat, extra heavy coat, gloves, and hand warmers in your winter emergency car kit. Once the weather changes, swap out these cold-weather items for summer survival gear, including sunscreen, sunglasses, and bug spray.

Food and Water

Regardless of the season, you’ll probably start getting hungry and thirsty if you end up waiting for hours to be rescued. Include several water bottles and granola bars or other non-perishable food items among your safety supplies. Rotate your food and water out every month or two, so it’s always fresh in case you need it.

Sturdy Shoes

Instead of throwing out your old pair of running shoes, add them to your emergency car kit. If you become stranded in high heels or dress shoes and you have to walk a long distance for help, you’ll be glad you have these to wear.

Here at Scott's Auto repair, we are dedicated to working with our customers from the Fort Collins, Cheyenne, Greeley, and Loveland, CO areas and helping them keep their cars, trucks and SUV's running in tip top shape! Please contact us if you have any questions.